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Juan Pablo Rojas
Presidente Rojas Paúl (1890) by Cristobal Rojas.jpg
President of Venezuela
In office
2 July 1888 – 19 March 1890
Preceded by Hermógenes López
Succeeded by Raimundo Andueza Palacio
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela
In office
26 January 1855 – 7 February 1855
President Joaquín Herrera
In office
24 February 1869 – 31 July 1869
President José Ruperto Monagas
In office
6 December 1869 – 27 January 1870
President José Ruperto Monagas
Minister of Finance of Venezuela
In office
1879–1884
Preceded by Diego Jugo Ramírez
Succeeded by Francisco Rivas Castillo
In office
1887–1887
Preceded by Fulgencio M. Carias
Succeeded by Pedro Ramos
In office
1899–1899
Preceded by Santos Escobar
Succeeded by Ramón Tello Mendoza
Personal details
Born 26 November 1826
Caracas, Gran Colombia
Died 22 July 1905(1905-07-22) (aged 78)
Caracas, United States of Venezuela
Political party Liberal Party
Spouse Josefa de la Concepción Báez
Signature

Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl (born November 26, 1826 – died July 22, 1905) was an important Venezuelan leader. He served as the President of Venezuela from 1888 to 1890. He was special because he was the first civilian president chosen by proper constitutional rules in 50 years. He was also the only one to finish his full term for a long time.

Early Life and Career

Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl was born in Caracas, which was then part of Gran Colombia. He grew up to become a lawyer and politician. Before becoming president, he held several important jobs. He was the Minister of Finance (like a country's treasurer) from 1879 to 1884, and again in 1887. He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs several times.

Becoming President of Venezuela

Rojas Paúl became president after Hermógenes López finished his time as an interim (temporary) leader. This happened after Antonio Guzmán Blanco, who had been president three times, finally stepped down.

When Rojas Paúl took office, there was a lot of tension in Venezuela. Two powerful political groups, one led by Guzmán Blanco and another by Joaquín Crespo, were in conflict. Rojas Paúl tried to bring these groups together and make peace.

Challenges During His Presidency

During his time as president, there were many protests against Guzmán Blanco. These protests happened in the capital city and other parts of Venezuela. These events caused a big disagreement between Rojas Paúl and Guzmán Blanco. Guzmán Blanco was trying to control Venezuela from Paris, France, but Rojas Paúl wanted to lead the country himself.

Rojas Paúl also had to deal with an uprising led by Joaquín Crespo. After the rebellion was stopped, Crespo had to leave the country and live in exile.

Key Achievements as President

Rojas Paúl's presidency lasted for two years, and it was a time of good economic growth for Venezuela. He used this money to improve the country.

  • Supporting Education and Religion: He allowed the creation of new science departments in universities. He also brought French nuns to Venezuela and helped build and fix many religious buildings. This was a change from Guzmán Blanco's policies, who had been against the church.
  • New Schools and Connections: He opened national schools in cities like Maracaibo and Barquisimeto. He also opened a new submarine cable that connected La Guaira (a Venezuelan port) to the Antilles islands and Europe. This made communication much faster.
  • Art and History: He opened an art exhibit by the famous painter Martín Tovar y Tovar at the National Capitol. In 1888, he founded the National History Academy, which helps preserve Venezuela's history.
  • Important Publications: During his term, a very important book was published. It was called Great geographical, historical and statistics compilation of Venezuela, written by General Manuel Landaeta Rosales.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time as president, Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl continued to be involved in public service. He served again as the Minister of Finance in 1899.

He passed away in Caracas in 1905, at the age of 78. He is remembered for being a civilian leader who worked to unite Venezuela and improve its infrastructure and education.

Personal Life

Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl was married to María Josefa de la Concepción Báez. She was the First Lady of Venezuela during his presidency, from 1888 to 1890.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl para niños

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